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AppWizard

April 13, 2026

Google App Replaces Pixel Launcher Search: What You Need to Know

Google has replaced the Pixel Launcher search interface with the search experience from the Google app, leading to user dissatisfaction due to the omission of features like app search and shortcuts to frequently used applications. The new interface lacks the modern design and convenience that users expected. Users can still access the old Pixel Launcher search through the app grid or by enabling a specific feature, but this may disrupt their established habits. Many are hoping for a future update that could improve the Google app's search interface and restore the previous features.

Winsage

April 10, 2026

Microsoft begins removing Copilot from Windows 11, starting with Notepad, Snipping Tool

Microsoft has removed the Copilot branding from the Notepad app for Windows Insiders, replacing it with a "Writing tools" icon in the latest update (version 11.2512.28.0). Despite the removal of the logo, AI functionality remains intact, and users can disable the feature through the Settings menu under "Advanced Features." The Snipping Tool has also eliminated the Copilot button and currently shows no AI integration. Microsoft is scaling back unnecessary Copilot integration in various apps, including Notepad and Snipping Tool, while still maintaining underlying AI capabilities.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Minecraft’s powerful new mob just arrived in Java, and I can’t wait to see what players build

The Minecraft Chaos Cubed update has been released for the Java edition, introducing the Sulfur Cube mob and the Sulfur Caves biome. Players can find Sulfur Springs in the Overworld, leading to vibrant underground landscapes with Cinnabar and Sulfur blocks. A unique block called Potent Sulfur generates gas bubbles that can induce nausea. Crafting Potent Sulfur requires nine regular Sulfur blocks. The Sulfur Cube can absorb nearby dropped blocks and transform into a 'ball-like' entity, with nine distinct behavior archetypes affecting movement dynamics. Mojang has also adjusted the behavior of Beds and Slime Blocks upon collision, allowing Slime Blocks to bounce mobs indefinitely. The update transitions from OpenGL rendering to Vulkan for improved performance, while OpenGL remains available for older hardware. The Minecraft 1.26.2 snapshot is live, with a full release expected around June.

AppWizard

April 9, 2026

Minecraft 26.2 Snapshot 1

- The upcoming release is titled "Chaos Cubed." - Players can explore the Overworld and sulfur caves, seeking sulfur springs and new resources. - A new mob called the Sulfur Cube has been introduced, which absorbs blocks and can be interacted with using Shears. - The Sulfur Cube can detect nearby block items and will follow players holding absorbable blocks. - Upon defeat, the Sulfur Cube splits into two smaller versions, which can be fed to grow larger. - New Cinnabar and Sulfur block sets have been added, including various variants like Polished and Bricks. - The sulfur caves biome has been added, featuring sulfur pools and the Sulfur Cube mob. - Potent Sulfur is a new block that produces nausea-inducing gas when placed under water. - Sulfur Springs generate naturally above the sulfur cave biome in various sizes. - Vulkan support has been added for improved visual experience, with a new "Graphics API" option in Video Settings. - Players can toggle between OpenGL and Vulkan, with Vulkan being the default if supported. - New attributes related to bounciness and friction have been introduced for entities. - New sounds and textures for Sulfur, Potent Sulfur, Cinnabar, and the Sulfur Cube have been added. - Various bugs have been fixed to improve gameplay stability.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Minecraft: All Tiny Takeover Twitch Drops and How to Claim Them

Minecraft's Tiny Takeover event is taking place on Twitch from April 6 to April 15, 2027. Participants can earn exclusive in-game rewards by watching streams for five minutes or streaming Minecraft for at least one hour. Viewers can receive rewards such as the Hatchling Hat, Bunny Beanie, and Turtle Tunes, while streamers can earn additional rewards and potential payouts of up to ,000. To claim rewards, viewers must watch any live Minecraft stream for five minutes, and rewards will be sent to their Twitch inbox for redemption on Minecraft's official page. Streamers must opt into the campaign via their Streamer Dashboard.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Gemini could finally catch up to other Google apps with this visual upgrade

Google is exploring the integration of wallpaper-based theming within its Gemini feature in the Google app, aiming to unify the visual experience across applications and phase out the white-and-blue color scheme. The experimentation is underway with version 17.12.51 of the Google app, where users have noticed changes in the Gemini overlay that adapts to the user's wallpaper. The overlay now features a subtly tinted bar and a darker button for Gemini Live, reflecting the system's theme. However, other elements like button shapes remain unchanged. The main Gemini app still displays its traditional colors, indicating that the rollout of the theming feature is in its early stages. Insights from an APK teardown suggest potential future features, but some may not reach public release.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Minecraft Presents Tiny Takeover

Minecraft is launching its Tiny Takeover campaign on Twitch on April 6th at 9am PT, allowing streamers to earn up to ,000 by streaming Minecraft gameplay. Viewers can receive exclusive rewards such as the Baby Chick Chat Badge, Hatchling Hat, Turtle Tunes, and Bunnie Beanie for participating. Streamers must stream at least 1 hour of Minecraft to qualify for rewards, and the campaign is first-come, first-served with limited availability. Participating channels will be featured on the front page from April 6-8, and earnings will be reflected in the revenue dashboard within a week.

AppWizard

April 7, 2026

Join our Twitch Tiny Takeover

The Twitch Tiny Takeover campaign, a collaboration between Twitch and Mojang Studios, will launch on April 6th at 9:00 AM PT. Streamers can participate by streaming at least one hour of Minecraft gameplay and may earn up to ,000. Viewers can earn hats by watching Minecraft streams for five minutes and can obtain a Baby Chick Badge by purchasing or gifting a subscription. Streamers must be part of the Twitch Affiliate Program to qualify for rewards. Rewards will be sent to Twitch inboxes and can be redeemed on Minecraft.net.

AppWizard

April 5, 2026

10 Hacks Every Steam Gamer Should Know

- To maintain privacy on Steam, users can adjust their profile visibility settings under Steam > Settings > Account > Privacy Settings. - Steam allows family sharing of game libraries with up to five individuals in the same household through Steam > Settings > Family. - Users can customize game operations by entering commands in the Launch options box found in Properties > General of a game. - Steam enables users to add alternative storage locations for games via Steam > Settings > Storage and move games to optimize performance. - Download speed limits can be set in Steam under Settings > Downloads to ensure internet bandwidth is available for other activities. - Users can switch download servers in Steam by selecting a different server in Settings > Downloads to potentially improve download speeds. - Big Picture Mode can be activated in Steam under Settings > Interface for a user-friendly interface when using a gamepad. - Gamepad controls can be remapped by accessing Properties > Controller > Controller Configuration for any game in the library. - SteamDB provides insights into future sales, trending titles, and upcoming releases based on historical data. - The FPS counter can be enabled in Steam under Settings > In Game to monitor performance metrics like CPU, GPU, and RAM usage during gameplay.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Which messaging app takes the most limited approach to permissions on Android?

Messaging applications Messenger, Signal, and Telegram exhibit significant differences in permissions and operational behaviors that impact user privacy. Telegram has the fewest total permissions at 71, with 25 classified as dangerous; Signal requests 72 permissions, including 19 dangerous ones; and Messenger requests the most at 87, with 24 dangerous permissions. Messenger also has the highest number of vendor-specific unknown permissions. Access to sensitive resources is crucial for messaging functionalities, with permissions for contacts, camera, microphone, location, storage, and calendar being essential. Telegram and Messenger request additional system-level permissions, while Signal is more conservative and does not request certain permissions like phone-call control or overlay windows. The analysis, using the Mobile Security Framework (MobSF), indicates all three apps are in the medium risk category, with Messenger having more flagged issues. Telegram allows cleartext connections by default, potentially exposing traffic, while Signal uses encrypted connections by default and only permits limited cleartext traffic for certificate checks. Messenger's issues include world-writable files and remote debugging enabled in WebViews. Messenger uses third-party SDKs, while Signal and Telegram do not disclose third-party trackers. All three utilize Firebase Cloud Messaging for notifications without sensitive data leakage. Data exchange patterns show Messenger primarily routes traffic through North America, while Telegram and Signal focus on Europe with some additional connections in the U.S. and Asia.